Drew Goes on Safari

This November, President Drew G. Faust will be traveling to South Africa and Botswana. To help our girl out, FM decided to put together a short list of tips to make sure her trip goes smoothly.

1. While you may be tempted to show off your Cambridge-style cruising skills, it’s probably not best to drive yourself. In rural areas, livestock tend to wander into the streets; you do not want to be known as “cow killer” for the rest of your trip.

2. As when traveling to any foreign country, remember to keep your valuables closeby. May FM suggest a leg safe?

3. Make sure you take your malaria tablets. Accept no dares (or double dares) to forgo these pills. They may give you extremely realistic nightmares, but isn’t that better than the alternative? And while we’re on the subject of health, it can’t hurt to get vaccinations for measles, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies. After all, UHS is just a short walk away from your office.

4. While it may be extra difficult to talk the talk, it’s good to know the official languages of each country and how many people actually speak them. There are nearly 30 different languages spoken in both Botswana and South Africa. In fact, South Africa alone has 11 official languages. Don’t assume that people speak English — but never assume that they don’t.

5. Rhinos are a critically endangered species, so if one charges at you while you’re on safari, DO NOT SHOOT IT. FM’s advice: practice climbing trees as part of your trip preparations. We promise we won’t be shocked when we see you scaling the foliage in Harvard Yard.